FCT Secondary School Union Rejects Teachers’ Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Federal Capital Territory chapter, has dissociated itself from the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the nation’s capital, insisting its members will remain in classrooms.

The chairman of the union in the FCT, Comrade Julius Ogundiran, said secondary school teachers under the union would not participate in the strike scheduled to begin today.

In an interview, Ogundiran cited constitutional provisions on freedom of association, stressing that members of the union were not bound by the directives of the NUT.

He said the union operates as an independent professional body with its own structure and leadership, adding that its members would continue teaching without disruption.

“Our members are not subject to the authority or directives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. They have resolved to remain at their duty posts,” he said.

Ogundiran further explained that issues around promotion, which contributed to the strike action, had been substantially addressed by the Office of the Head of Service and the relevant commission, with promotion letters being released in batches.

He added that engagements by the Joint Union Action Committee had also made the strike unnecessary for members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools.

The union, however, raised concerns over alleged intimidation and harassment of its members by individuals enforcing the strike.

Ogundiran called on relevant authorities to ensure adequate protection for members and issue a directive affirming their right to work without interference.

He reiterated the union’s commitment to industrial harmony and uninterrupted delivery of quality education in public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.